Everton eventually demolish 10-man Hull

Everton 4 - 0 Hull City

Mark Robinson/Getty Images

Everton's relentless home form and the goalscoring exploits of Romelu Lukaku continued as they thrashed a Hull City side that played the final 20 minutes with 10 men.

The Blues were a goal up thanks to Dominic Calvert-Lewin's first goal for the club but still not comfortable when Tom Huddlestone was shown a straight red card for what was deemed by referee Paul Tierney to be a dangerous challenge on Idrissa Gueye.

The sending off perhaps provided the catalyst for Everton to re-establish their grip on the game and Enner Valencia stepped off the bench to effectively kill the contest before Lukaku scored twice in stoppage time to wrap things up.

Ronald Koeman made two changes, one of them apparently enforced for one of last weekend's goalscorers. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came in for Kevin Mirallas who is not in the squad (if he isn't injured, perhaps it's because of the birth of his daughter this week) while Idrissa Gueye replaced Gareth Barry.

And it was Calvert-Lewin who got the Blues off to a great start, tucking home Tom Davies' square pass after the midfielder had sprung the offside trap.

Everton then settled into a familiar pattern of domination of the contest and Ross Barkley's whipped cross mid-way through the first half that just eluded Davies and Calvert-Lewin in the centre.

Hull, meanwhile, were looking to threaten on the counter-attack but Abel Hernandez was dealt with superbly by Phil Jagielka before Alfred N'Diaye had a long-range shot deflected wide.

Everton's afternoon was complicated, however, by an injury to Morgan Schneiderlin who was forced off with half an hour gone with what looked to be an ankle problem.

Ashley Williams headed straight at the goalkeeper at one end as another short free kick routine eventually ended with a cross towards the back post but the defender was almost guilty of letting Matt Clucas in for the equaliser.

The veteran defender got into a mix-up with Joel Robles but while Clucas nipped in between them, his lobbed effort dropped onto the roof of the net.

Davies and Barkley almost combined again to brilliant effect but the latter couldn't quite gather in the pass as he drove into the box.

Then, with half-time approaching, Barry was caught trying to dribble out of his own area but he was rescued by Williams who slid in with a block tackle on Hernandez to send Everton into the half time interval a goal up.

Hull made a strong start to the second half and were the team with all the attacking intent until Lukaku cut inside and hammered a shot just over the bar.

Koeman responded to the shift in momentum by withdrawing Calvert-Lewin in favour of Ramiro Funes Mori and switching to a back three.

The Argentine had a quick chance to double Everton's lead when Jakupovic punched the ball straight to him but he lashed a shot across goal.

Lukaku then stung the 'keeper's palms with another fierce shot after cutting in from the right.

Hull remained dangerous, though, and Andy Robertson had a sight of goal at the back post but side-footed a volley from an unmarked position at the back post.

The visitors' task was made much harder with 17 minutes left when Tom Huddlestone was shown a straight red card for appearing to go over the ball and into Gueye.

That allowed the Blues to re-establish a grip on the game and after Valencia was introduced for Davies with 12 minutes left, he combined with Lukaku to make it 2-0.

Valencia laid it off to the Belgian who flicked the ball over the nearest defender and into the former's path and the Ecuadorian chested forward before burying it past Jakupovic.

With the Tigers' resistance broken, Everton then broke the match open at the end with Lukaku rounding things off with two well-taken goals.

Valencia split the defence to play his strike partner in for a simple finish in ther first minute of stoppage time and the Belgian then seized on a poor back pass to round the 'keeper and roll a right-foot shot home to complete the rout.

The result moves Everton into sixth place for the next 20-odd hours at least at the expense of Manchester United who have three games in hand and play tomorrow. They are also level on points with Arsenal but the Gunners have played two matches fewer.

Reader Comments (212)

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Dave Abrahams 1Posted
18/03/2017 at
14:15:08

Mirallas not in the squad, his wife gave birth yesterday.

Chris Gould 2Posted
18/03/2017 at
14:21:33

A 6-0 win will put us above Arsenal. But I'll settle for 3 points and a convincing performance.

Shame Mirallas is out as he's been involved in a fair few goals recently, but birth of a child trumps just about anything, even playing football for the greatest club on earth.

Stephen Brown 3Posted
18/03/2017 at
14:23:06

Beat me to it there, Chris!!

You never know!

Brian Wilkinson 4Posted
18/03/2017 at
14:23:09

I picked the lineup except I put Lookman in instead of Calvert-Lewin.

With Arsenal dropping points, a win today could set Everton up nicely for our neighbours and Man Utd game, two big performances and who knows.

I would just be grateful of 3 points today, but as always, when we have a chance of making a mark, one team that can fluff their lines is Everton.

We really need these three points today.

John Pierce 5Posted
18/03/2017 at
14:30:48

It now is this simple Everton, stand up and win today.

Avoid defeat at Liverpool and United and with City playing Arsenal & Liverpool then we can come out the other side of this with a real chance.

An echo of 04-05. Give yourself a chance blue boys.

Marley Rimmer 6Posted
18/03/2017 at
14:32:05

Any links for the game?

John G Davies 7Posted
18/03/2017 at
14:32:13

Strange old league this. We batter West Bromwich last week they take 3 points of Arsenal this week.

Gives us a good opportunity to make 3 points up on Arsenal today.

Jay Harris 8Posted
18/03/2017 at
14:33:11

Very important 3 points today with no slip ups would put us level with Arsenal and they play City next.

Let's hope Koemans fitness program and organization carries the momentum to the end of the season and Lukaku learns to shut his moth and let his feet do the talking.

Joe O'Brien 11Posted
18/03/2017 at
14:46:18

3 pts are a must today. 6-0 would be perfect..if we can score early Hull will have to come out. We should be looking to bang in a few today because goal difference will surely become very important. I can see a Rom hat-trick today. Confidence wise a goal from Calvert-Lewin would be class. It would have him buzzing for the our next two tough matches.

Alan J Thompson 12Posted
18/03/2017 at
14:47:05

Interesting that Calvert-Lewin gets the nod before Valencia.

Peter Cummings 13Posted
18/03/2017 at
14:49:14

This could be a tough one, we need to go at them as they have some hefty defenders and forwards and have improved since we lent them Niasse, good job he won't be playing today, the name of the game is Concentration especially in defence.

Joe O'Brien 14Posted
18/03/2017 at
14:53:20

I would have went with that pick, Alan J. He's the future....unless Valencia bangs in few before the end of the season, I can't see us going for a permanent transfer for him.

Alan J Thompson 15Posted
18/03/2017 at
15:16:13

Joe (#14); Wouldn't disagree with you but there's something about Everton and South Americans.

Hope the injury to Schneiderlin is not serious, with 2 big games against the two reds after the international break.

Mark Morrissey 19Posted
18/03/2017 at
16:11:46

Birth of a child vs playing for Everton, really, Chris? Must dash anyways lads, the wife's opening the cutlery draw, ha ha!

C'mon Everton, let's have 5 more.

George Cumiskey 20Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:04:50

Talk about a score that doesn't reflect the game this was it. Still a million miles away from being a top four team, typical Everton  great first half; dire second.

If it wasn't for the terrible sending off it could of been a different story, and bringing on Funes Mori instead of Lookman was unbelievable. He must be one of the worst defenders we have ever had. No wonder Rom wants away!

Craig Fletcher 21Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:06:12

Felt a little sorry for Hull, that shouldn't have been a red for Huddlestone, defo a yellow but not a red.

4-0 flattered us but we did defend well, again we have a habit of seemingly not playing for the first twenty minutes of the second half?

Enjoyed seeing Lukaku get a great reception from the Goodison crowd, and a nice touch by the big man to run over to the crowd and give his shirt to the young lads at the end of the game.

Barkley was MotM for me.

Darryl Ritchie 22Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:09:20

Excellent result! The only blemish being Schneiderlin. I hope it's not serious.

George Cumiskey 23Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:10:36

Craig (#21)

Barkley MotM?

Davies, followed closely by Gana.

Grant Rorrison 24Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:11:57

Decent start and end otherwise thought we were a bit uninspiring.

Frank Crewe 25Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:21:07

So what would have inspired you then?

Colin Glassar 26Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:21:10

Last week "uninspiring", this week "eventually (yawn?). I think we are getting way too emotional on TW.

Lyndon Lloyd 27Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:30:45

For what it's worth, I disagreed with the "uninspiring" assessment last week but I'm not sure there's anything "emotional" about the term "eventually", Colin. It's very matter-of-fact.

We were dominant in the first half, a bit casual in the second but eventually saw Hull off after the red card. Would anyone argue?

Gordon Crawford 28Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:38:14

Wouldn't disagree Lyndon.

Brian Williams 29Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:38:31

I was at the game and I wouldn't disagree with "eventually." Hull were well in the game until the second goal. They were well organized and tough to break down at times. Fair assessment I'd say.

John Pierce 30Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:38:43

The scoreline obviously flattered us and up until the red card I couldn't have complained if it was 1-1.

The intensity and surety waned from our play once Schniederlin left the scene.

Davies very good, Barkley keeping his standards, Gana was excellent.

Clinical, absolutely we were, but our general play was a little loose and interesting that Koeman felt the need to go to a back three.

I asked before the game we give ourselves a chance, we have that chance. It's there to take, do the players believe?

Oh and 'eventually' is spot on.

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 31Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:40:33

Odd game. We again register a convincing win on paper without actually being overly impressive. Good game from Barkley again.

Glad to see Lukaku getting the crowds support. He may be hard to like, but there's absolutely zero point in berating him while he's on the pitch. If he keeps banging in goals then his value goes up.

Didn't really understand Koemans switch of formation. It gave Hull the upper hand, and they were the better team until the red card.

Don't think this game gives us any indication how things will pan out next week at Anfield.

George Cumiskey 32Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:47:19

Ciaran (#31), I think it does. He will play the same formation he did at Chelsea and Spurs.

Barry Jones 33Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:47:27

Ciaran, I agree that this is not a good indicator for the Liverpool game. I was full of confidence a day or so ago, but I think we will need to up the tempo considerably (ovet today's game) to get a result at Anfield. The next two games could define the season for us.

Kevin Rowlands 34Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:51:06

Damn, Schneiderlin having scan tomorrow but rumor is several weeks out, thats very bad news especially with the next two games we have.

Paul Burns 35Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:52:06

Typical Lukaku, last 2 goals in a game already won.

Believe me, his scoring record is a smokescreen, nearly always the gloss or a consolation, rarely vital.

Kevin McCartney 36Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:57:15

Congratulations KM, proud day!

...another clean sheet by Joel Robles, awesome! Well done, you've hardly put a foot wrong since you've been given the chance to shine, hope you're getting the recognition it deserves from your peers and we fans alike. Keep it up Joel, all the best!

Looking at the PL table that positive goal difference will help, yes teams around us have 2/3 games in hand, but they've to play against each other and us. April will be interesting.

Yes RL we know you can talk the talk and build yourself up but after the international break you'd better start walking the walk and performing against those media 'TOP' teams, in that if you can't score against the top teams in the PL, then those teams in CL that you do so desire to play for, won't give you a second look, they'll have looked at the stats. on your 'success' rates, participation in those games it doesn't yet make for good reading, let's just say there's room for improvement, so good luck, and luck comes from the rest of team also pulling their weight and in most cases 'delivery' to the current PL top marksman!, don't just get it to him, support him! back him up!

Onwards and upwards, up and at them, they don't like it up em!

COYB !!!!

Alex Fox 37Posted
18/03/2017 at
17:58:48

Paul (35) - Here are the actual facts: Take Lukaku's goals away this season and we'd be 7 points worse off. Which is essentially the difference between us being drudged in mid-table mediocrity and us being on the cusp of the Champions League places. Pretty vital I'd say...

Good result. Performance dipped after Morgan went off, but Valencia made a real contribution when he came on. Nice performances from Davies and Barkley too.

Steavey Buckley 38Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:00:34

The match turned on it's head when Schneiderlin went off injured and Barry came on, and when Huddlestone was sent off for a controversial red card offence.

Before Schneiderlin went off injured it was all Everton, but when he went off, Everton began to struggle in midfield, and Hull were in the ascendecy until the red card offence.

So this is not a time for McCarthy to be off playing for ROI with dodgy hamstrings when he is needed to be playing for Everton against Liverpool and Arsenal. These 2 games will define Everton's season.

Colin Glassar 39Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:01:17

It was tongue-in-cheek Lyndon.

Gary Edwards 40Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:02:10

Paul (35) - so wrong.

Jim Scales 42Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:09:35

Just posted on the forum that I thought that Rom was a little surprised by the positive reception from the Goodison faithful when the team was read out. An Everton reality check maybe? I hope so, I really feel like I have our 'Everton' back. Fight, spirit and a never say die attitude, Nil satis nisi optimum.

Charles Barrow 43Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:10:14

A win is a win! What worries me is what line up and tactics RK chooses for the Liverpool game. Hopefully not the same as the Chelsea and Spurs games.

Colin Glassar 44Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:10:34

I think Paul is just jesting.

Julian Wait 45Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:10:53

Saw this earlier from OptaJoe: "Everton have now had more different goalscorers than any other side in the Premier League this season. Variety."

Joe O'Brien 46Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:12:22

Good win to set is up nicely for the derby... at what cost tho? Koeman saying Morgan could be out for several weeks!

Scan tomorrow, hopefully it's not as bad as they think. For sure we need MacCarthy back soon

Colin Hughes 47Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:13:21

We need to do an 84/85 and beat Liverpool and Man Utd in the space of a few days and then we have a world of possibilities opening up for us, but we know we are Everton and as with last season we will lose both and end our season as far as achieving anything is concerned.

Jim Knightley 48Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:14:06

Paul - are you actually serious? Or mimicking an idiot?

Have you checked the goal-points stats for the other top goalscorers (esp Costa, Sanchez, Ibra...). It will make interesting reading no doubt.

Have you considered the effect of killing off games with goals?

Why is there this absurd attempt to always downplay how good Lukaku is? I've/others had to suffer this idiocy for years and I can't believe I still have to when Lukaku is the league's leading striker with 21 goals!

He has been 'useless', 'lazy', with the first touch of an amateur. His movement was poor apparently. He could never improve his first touch or technical ability, because apparently these things were innate. We should have got Bony, or Mitrovic, or Benteke and a strewn of other players not fit to tie his boots. If he was any good Mourinho wouldnt have sold him...if he was any good, Origi wouldnt have started in front of him.

Some of us, luckily, can understand the game we spend so much time watching. Lukaku is our best player, and interim hopes of reaching the UCL rely on him. He has scored two more than his nearest challenger, does not score pens, and is playing in an inferior team than most of the top scorers in this league.

Leave Lukaku alone. If he ends up going we will have made a massive profit and benefited from alot of goals. If he stays, then that will be even better. But he is a top striker, and anyone who thinks otherwise does not understand football, or numbers.

Paul Mackie 49Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:15:45

Really hope that one of Schneiderlin or McCarthy is back for the derby. Barry is a wonderful passer of the ball and an intelligent footballer, but he gets slower by the day.

I thought we looked a lot more solid once we switched to 3 at the back today. Also was nice to see Lukaku get his customary goals at Goodison and top marks to the crowd for getting behind him. He'll be under no illusions as to whether the fans want him to stay, it's up to the board to match his (and our) ambition now.

Roman Sidey 51Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:17:22

Alex, I like where you're going but I'd speculate we'd be more than 8 points worse off without Lukaku in general. His goals directly, sure, but take him out of the team and replace him with any of the strikers we've had before him this century, and the rest of the team have very little space to work in (Coleman for one benefits a lot from this).

I think if we were still relying on Jelavic or someone on a similar level to him, we'd be looking at 7th as a major achievement, rather than our bare minimum.

Jim Bennings 52Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:26:23

Another solid resounding home win, another clean sheet and another couple of routine goals for Rom.

I have to say its great to have Goodison back to being a fortress again not the walk in the park it was for visiting teams last season.

I'm loving the welcome return of proper old school dirty defending, and Williams (the moment of hesitation partly due to Robles lack of communication aside) was completely rock solid again.

Special mentions for Barkley, Baines and the introduction of Valencia which helped us kill the game and congratulations for Calvert-Lewin on his first Everton goal, well in lad!

Si Turner 53Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:28:02

Jim (48) spot on. It does make me question peoples seriousness when they deny facts that speak for themselves.

John Pierce 54Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:28:24

You cannot ignore the intangibles Rom brings, time, space and attention, it allows play to develop, players to try different things and ultimately we are now playing directly 'directly' to his strengths if you see what my twisted English means.

But you cannot ignore he is a bit of a flat track bully right? Scoring a heavy amount against the cannon fodder. In cricket they love a bowler who can clean up the tail, perhaps there's a bit of that in Rom. Be balanced about it as an argument 'cos there is merit in both sides. Rom is now feeding off play designed to get him going towards goal, a must if the lad is to keep scoring. Ever seen him score from a position where he had his back to goal? Nah. Some great diagonals from Bainsey to highlight the point today.

One thing that I would applaud his the lads accuracy, not one for wasting an opportunity.

But it's fair to say with Liverpool and United coming up, if he wants Champions League with Everton then a winning goal here or there might just bring a few off the fence me included.

One last note about the game Tom Davies, faded but just is a moving wall pass for our midfield, far more aggressive than Ross, clearly why Ronnie plays him higher up. Da Ketwig Kaiser!

Minik Hansen 55Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:28:32

Colin Hughes #47 To add to the 84/85 we won against Chelsea (2-1) and Man United (3-1) in february 2010. In football Everton can achieve two consecutive wins against top opposition. We must wish it to happen in 16/17 as well. COYB!

Andrew Clare 56Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:29:02

Delighted that we won 4-0 and that the crowd cheered Lukaku all the way. I still have an empty feeling about the whole Lukaku affair off the field. If he stays, and I have to say at the moment, it doesn't look likely (I think he has been tapped up by another club) we could be one hell of a force in the near future.

Getting back to the game, I think that we will have to play much much better to get anything from the derby. In that game, we will come under relentless high-energy pressing for the full 90 minutes. I just hope our defence doesn't buckle.

Koeman is doing a great job and our record in 2017 is superb but I do want to see us get something from the difficult games coming up.

Julian Exshaw 57Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:29:31

It's hard to interpret Lukaku's gesture to the crowd following the 4th. The optimist in me wants to assume it was 'I love you guys and I'm staying'. The miserable git in me was thinking 'I love you guys but I have to go'.

In any event, it's clear he would stay for us under other circumstances and he may yet. The top 4 may be just out of range this year (what the hell happened to us before Christmas?) but next year with the right signings could well be enough for Rom to hang around for another year.

Don Alexander 58Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:32:39

Once again Koeman sums up the match perfectly;

"We have had a great run at home. But the final result didn't reflect what happened on the pitch.

"At several moments in the game Hull were strong. The decision [to send off Huddlestone] might have felt too harsh at that moment but it gave Everton the freshness to kill the game off.

"We were not at the best. We are strong and with 10 v 11 and we have a team who will punish them."

The next two games will show the extent of the squad's mettle. Anything better than two points and I'll be very, very happy.

Ian Bennett 59Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:34:53

I interpret that he cares about the club. It might big headed, but him speaking out to me indicates a last chance for the club. If he said nothing, then I'd worry more.

Well done Ross, gueye and Davies BTW, great performances.

Si Turner 60Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:35:36

Paul (49) whilst I match the eagerness for us to push the top 4 I think it is wrong of Rom to say we lack ambition. We are about to sign up for a dock stadium (which I have no doubt we will), have offered him and Ross over £100k p/w, signed a quality player in January and have the little matter of FFP to consider.

I think Ronald Koeman summed it up brilliantly by saying he wouldn't be here if we lacked ambition. There would be no shortage of takers for Koeman if he did want to leave due to lack of ambition

Dennis Ng 61Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:36:23

I would like to think we will do well even without Lukaku but he is our first 20+ goalscorer in 3 decades, so kudos to him. Given the crazy money being thrown around, we can only hope Moshiri can talk him into staying or get the best money and replacement if selling him.

Martin Nicholls 62Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:36:25

Colin (#47)  hope the players don't have your defeatist mindset!

Tony Hill 63Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:36:58

I thought Hull were very poor and only really threatened when Williams messed up. 4-0 will do nicely, of course, and Gueye and Barkley were great. I thought Jagielka played well too. Valencia deserves much credit - he has never let us down and is actually proving quite a big asset.

If Schneiderlin is out for the Shite and Man United, as it looks as though he could well be, then I would bring Barkley back into central midfield and play Mirallas.

You can't argue with the goals we're putting away at Goodison but the next two games are the ones we want.

Martin Nicholls 64Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:38:23

Jim#48 - spot on!

Anthony Burke 65Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:45:09

Not at our best today but who cares?  you have to win ugly at times. We can realistically finish above Man Utd as they have played more games than any other team. I'm optimistic of a top 6 finish COYB!!!!!

Keith Conchie 66Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:51:49

Just listened to Charlie Nicholas on Sky Sports talking shite. He said it wasn't a 4-0 game, well it was. Maybe not our best performance, far from it. But don't they say that when you don't play your best and still win, then that's the sign of a good team?

Then he goes on to say he doesn't see us as a top 4 team, and looks shocked and bemused that we're level on points with Arsenal.

Okay we're not the best team in the league at the moment, but the RS and Man Utd are not better than us and Arsenal are falling to pieces. Why would everyone be so shocked if we got top 4?

Oh I know now, it's because we're not one of Sky's favourite teams.

John G Davies 67Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:54:55

Tell you what. We keep getting these boring three- and four-nil wins... who knows where we will finish in the league?

Dave Abrahams 68Posted
18/03/2017 at
18:58:06

Another hard earned victory, I thought Gueye, Davies, Baines had very good games, the work those three put in was tremendous.

When Valencia came on he created some space for Lukaku, admittedly versus ten men but he made a bid difference, hope he plays at least some of the games against Liverpool and Man Utd.

Made up to see Calvert-Lewin get his first goal for the club, he did well, and it should be noted he played out of position but still did okay.

Paul Mackie 69Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:06:11

Si (#60) - You make some good points about what the club is trying to do, but there's been a lot of talk from the club and not too much action. Other than Schneiderlin, who have we really brought in who is 'world class'? I know we're somewhat hamstrung by FFP, but I'm sure an accountant like Moshiri can come up with some creative solutions. That said, I think the current board are moving things in the right direction (finally!).

Personally, I think it's quite telling that in Rom's interview he didn't once say that he wants to leave. For a contract to be 99% done then it can't be wage demands that are holding things up. I'm hopeful that the board can get some quality signings in early in the Summer and then convince Lukaku to sign on the dotted line.

Kieran Kinsella 70Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:09:36

Lukaku for me has had a Suarez like improvement. At first the biter was over hyped and would get in dangerous positions but half the time he'd waste. Then all of a sudden he was lethal. Ditto Lukaku. The last few years when he was running on goal I'd say it was 50/50 we'd score. Now every time he runs at their last defender I expect him to score.

Calvert-Lewin deserves credit though. We were getting frustrated but he kept a cool head to get the get the opener. The post red card Tony Cottee style piling on makes it easy to forget things could've been different if DCL had fluffed his lines.

Chris Williams 71Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:12:28

Just back in now and pleased with the result over the performance again. But it would be churlish to be too critical about a 4-0 win, as it was to be over critical last week.

Morgan was running the show when he went off and if out a while will be missed. Tom Davies had a good game, and a hard game too, on the receiving end of some heavy treatment again, after last weeks game. Didn't phase him, he kept coming back hard, aggressive and a nice touch too. Impressive.

Gana must have an extra lung and some of his tackling was superb..

A good word for Jags too, very steady, covering well and getting out of trouble well. Showed his experience.

Ross and Rom tried hard and did good things and it was good to see more late goals showing that this team is fit now and is still running hard at 95 minutes.

Rom got a good reception from the crowd, before the match and for his goals and rightly so.

Tense until the second goal went in. Nicely made and taken .

Kieran Kinsella 72Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:12:53

Julian

I saw the goal scorers stat too and that's encouraging. But I'd like to see someone emerge as a Deli Alli type to reliably chip in 15 a season. We've got a lot Who can score but only one who does it regularly. Maybe Davies can become the new Tim Cahill and take that mantle.

Dermot Byrne 73Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:15:31

Paul Mackie; just seen result. ,4-0.

You comments are nonsense and media driven

Mike Dolan 74Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:19:44

A solid performance today from the lads. I agree with Tony (#63) about Valencia to me he always brings a bit of pep of the bench and he seems to be growing in confidence whenever he get a game.

All of the midfielders played well but Gana, Ross and Davies were excellent, very tenacious and they take a load of the defense who are quite slow. Hull's Harry Maguire I thought was awesome maybe the best player on the pitch that's hard to say when he's on a team that just lost 4-0 but what a signing he would be. Straight swop for Niasse?

I thought Huddlestone being sent off was well justified it was dangerous and reckless and showed his studs, so Hull can't complain. Job well done Blues.

Chris Gould 75Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:21:05

Schneiderlin is a huge loss. He brings class and calmness. He would have been bang up for the Utd game. Absolutely gutted that he's most likely going to be missing for 2 games that may define our season.

Paul Birmingham 76Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:21:07

Great result, at times we looked shaky at the back, but the team kept going and that impressed against a committed Hull team. Take 4-0s, with out being at our very best, every game.

Let's hope Morgans injury is not too serious... Let's enjoy the break and full steam ahead for the next game.

Graham Mockford 77Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:22:07

I liked the look of Maguire. Strong, physical and confident on the ball.

BUY

Bill Gall 78Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:30:08

I hope Lukaku looks back on his quotes and realizes, that even Man City who he used as an example of ambition, with all their wealth and changes in manager it still took them 3 seasons and about 6 transfer windows before they won any silverware. As I said before we have had 2 transfer windows and less than 1 full season with a new manager and ownership.

Yes we may think that we should have brought in some more quality players, but as we are not privy to the owners plans who knows who they tried to get and what was the reasons they were turned down..

There is only so much we can do at one time, so to insinuate that we have no ambition is way off the mark.

How many people think Lukaku would be able to walk into Barca, Real, Bayern Munich, PSG or even Juventus?

Roger Helm 79Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:33:13

You can't argue with 4-0 but for most of the second half we were struggling. Still we have 20-30 minute spells when we just switch off and forget how to play. Luckily Hull were too poor to take advantage. Should we really need three centre-halves against Hull? The sooner we sign a real one the better.

But it was great to see Ross bossing the game and the youngsters Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies having such good games, also Valencia was good when he came on. Gana is invaluable with all his tackles and interceptions  must have been eight or ten today.

Bigger tests coming up  we will then see how much better we really are.

Kevin Jones 80Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:33:29

Another good win today, I honestly think we have signed Gana's identical twin as there's no way 1 player can cover so much ground. He's an absolute Rolls Royce of a player.

Now for a moan, why do people see the need to leave the match so feckin early. I noticed some people going with 10 minutes to go. At the final whistle at least a quarter of the ground is empty. We won 4-0 today, stay and clap the boys off. There will be other buses trains etc, just allow yourself a bit more time to get home simple.

Tony Hill 81Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:37:13

Chris (#75), yes he is a very big miss if he is injured for the next games but obviously we have to get on with it. I'm assuming McCarthy won't be ready despite the ROI selection but these things often look more problematic than they prove to be.

I certainly wouldn't want to play Barry in either game and, as I've suggested above, the only other option I can think of is bringing Barkley back into CM where he could be very effective against sides like the RS and United, running from deeper with Mirallas further up.

Brian Williams 83Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:43:27

In the past it's been Barkley as Barclay, Barcley, or Barcklay.

Today it's Calvert-Lewis, Calvin-Lewert, or effing Culvert-Luton (well not really the last one).

The lad's name is "Calvert-Lewin."

Would serve people well to get it right and remember it because the lad's gonna do great things for us!

John Pierce 84Posted
18/03/2017 at
19:55:13

Tony, I share the angst re Barry. He was well off it today.

If we must go into the next games without Schniederlin or JMac, then Ross it should be.

Barry affects the whole shape of the team, as they try to do a liitle bit extra to accommodate him.

I want to see Everton go for it in the next two games. Not sit and wait to be punished.

What do we have to lose?

Will Firstbrook 86Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:16:30

Echoing Graham's (#77) observation above concerning Maguire's steel. Physically imposing lad who enjoys mixing it up with the best of them. Not especially fleet of foot but seems to read the game very well and not afraid to push forward when the opportunity presents itself. If he wasn't in their lineup today, that match would have been over before the half

Terry Underwood 87Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:18:46

Good to see that even at 1-0 up, the manager can see something needs fixing and takes action . Remember the Little Engine that could...COYMB

Brent Stephens 88Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:19:39

Maguire impressed. Great heart.

As did DC-L, Davies, Barks.

Can't say much about Rom as he only scored two and had one assist. Not good enough.

Darren Hind 89Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:23:39

I thought we were a tad fortunate when Huddlestone was shown a red card, but having seen it again I think he deserved everything he got.

Lukaku has improved immensely this year, he is bigger faster and even stronger, his finishing has improved too, but I cringe when I see people tell us he now has a decent first touch and those who don't see it don't understand the game  Oh the irony. He can still control it further than most of us can kick it

It's also a tad embarrassing when people boast that he "does not score penalties" ... it's as if they have forgotten why he no longer takes them.

Lukaku has had a truly brilliant season, if people just satisfied themselves with saying that, perhaps we would not get so many equally daft counter arguments.

Ian Riley 90Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:25:12

Good win and keeps the confidence going. Hull battling relagation and such games can be difficult. Next two games will see how far we have come. Lukaku needs to perform in these games. He needs to step up against teams above us. He has talked himself up this week as equal to the elite strikers in europe. Although we need to create chance's for him.

Must give credit to koeman with playing youngsters and improvements of players such as barkley. A great run since coming back from the last international break. Hope the break doesn't hurt us.

Paul Smith 91Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:26:54

Barkley is Class, He's Everton through and through and we need to keep him.

Lukaku is also class. We all know he is not an Evertonian but we seriously need to do what we can to keep him..

If you ever used words like "i just don't see it" about Barkley, or called Lukaku lazy on a regular basis, get yourself one of them fly away balls, go in the garden and start from the beginning.

4 years down the line and Lukaku who is 23 still hasn't had a decent partner or at least some competition. He played 2 seasons in a dreadful set up and broke records but some people called him and slagged him. Unbelievable. Give me half a Lukaku over 10 Andy Johnsons.

Mike Green 92Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:30:01

Ciaran (#31)  Lukaku might be 'hard to like' combined with Jim's #48 superb post pretty much sum up the enigma that we have up front. He's a bit challenging in certain aspects, is lacking a dose of humility / self awareness but his ever increasing goal tally is becoming akin to gold dust.

Eric Paul 93Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:33:33

I don't know what some people on this site are watching...

Today's game was never in doubt, we were in control for 90 minutes.

Terence Tyler 94Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:40:39

This game was won before Lukaku got involved, I am beginning to get exited at what we can achieve, with this manager in charge. Darren like myself will soon have to start eating humble pie, or shut his gob

Terry Farrell 95Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:41:23

Darren I am still waiting for you to give the Ronald any sought of praise whatsoever. We are now covering an average of 20 km more per game than under Martinez and Goodison Park is back to being a hard place to pick up points.

Clean sheets and playing some nice stuff. Do you agree?

Paul Conway 96Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:43:38

Darren Hind @ 89,

Reading your post, you have contradicted yourself in each paragraph and your post comes over as a veiled attempt to cover yourself from your constant criticism of a truly prolific predator, who proved you wrong today and continues to do so.

Your mention of the fact that it's embarrassing when people mention the fact that he doesn't score penalties, merely emphasises your begrudgery. You are a prominent poster on TW, often controversial... but very wrong regarding Lukaku and his stats.

Tony Hill 97Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:46:00

Interesting to read Calvert-Lewin talking about the influence of the crowd on our home form. It's not just about the volume of noise made (which remains, in truth, pretty low), it's about the "feel" in the ground and there is no doubt the atmosphere is better, much better than last year.

There have been a couple of fantastic atmospheres at Goodison this season when we really did make a lot of noise but, slowly, the main change is that there is a momentum of trust building. It's still got a long way to go to reach the levels of enthusiasm I'd like to see but it's very promising and will build and build I hope.

Stan Schofield 98Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:46:57

Mike, well, I cannot see any evidence for a lack of humility or self-awareness. He's direct and honest, and rightly ambitious.

Not long ago Koeman said publicly that Lukaku would have to leave to fulfil his ambition. This week, Lukaku reiterated his ambition, but never once said that he should leave Everton. Every indication was that he wants to achieve success, including CL, with Everton. Folks claim he wants out, but that is an assertion without supporting evidence, and it doesn't wash.

An irony of Koeman saying he was unhappy with what Lukaku said, is that Lukaku didn't say he should leave Everton, whereas Koeman had done. Koeman's criticism of Lukaku's comments has all the classic marks of management producing a defensive response to valid concerns being raised, in much the same way that Martinez shouted Baines down last season. Again, it doesn't wash.

Anyway, another good result, yet again playing below what we're capable of but still winning comfortably.

Paul Smith 99Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:49:12

Reading through these comments I can't believe there are people that actually believe a manager can make the weight of Barkley's passing better or Lukaku's finishing. Just admit you were wrong about them like a grown up. Credit to Koeman because he is getting the better side of them but he is with every single player. How many goals has Coleman been involved in this season compared to last?

And Martinez swore blind we were an attacking team. Koeman doesn't have to say what we are he just coaches them to dominate the ball rather than pass and stand still. Its like Barkley and Lukaku have to be the focus because so many people have been wrong about them including the media.

There are fans who will have commented on these things that believed McCarthy was the best thing since Roy Keane not so long ago. They don't want him near the team now. This says it all about the level of support or criticism we give our more talented players.

Marcus Leigh 100Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:53:19

To all those here who seem to relentlessly gripe about our club, criticise the management, and in particular denigrate Lukaku, just ask yourselves this: right now, who on earth do you think you would replace any of them with? Seriously, get a fucking life.

I've supported this club for over half a century and while sadly I can't get to the match much any more I had a season ticket for decades and was there in person watching us pick up trophies at home, at Wembley and in Rotterdam. So most likely before most of the moaners here were even born. What we have right now is the best opportunity we have had in years and years of breaking back into the big time.

And Lukaku isn't just key to that, he is vital. As is Ronald Koeman. So please, just shut up. Stop whining, start making some noise and get behind the club you claim to support. Or are most of you actually RS trolls?

Bill Gienapp 101Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:56:53

Glad to see the crowd's positive reaction to Lukaku today. Some of the nonsense that was being spouted on here  he should be dropped to the reserves, he should never be allowed to wear the shirt again, he should be booed off the pitch  was just that: nonsense.

Paul Smith 102Posted
18/03/2017 at
20:59:26

Stan (#98) brilliant post. Love seeing a constructive view and your right in my opinion mate. Lot of propaganda we will never make truth of but as a fan my last thought is all I want is Lukaku playing up front for us.

Don Alexander 103Posted
18/03/2017 at
21:01:29

Paul @ 91, Lukaku himself has made recent comment on his need to improve so it's a little strange to criticise fans who agree with him whilst you and others still unreservedly worship him. He's a good goal scorer, been around for years, and now goes public, again, saying our club is below the level he immediately deserves. That's what pisses fans off, his gob, not his goals.

Dan Davies 104Posted
18/03/2017 at
21:11:26

Another three points, another clean sheet. No gripes from me. Hopefully results will go our way tomorrow and we keep rolling onwards and upwards.

There's a couple of sides around us now starting to look over their shoulder, bring it on! COYBB.

Mike Green 105Posted
18/03/2017 at
21:16:48

Stan  my point is his PR own goals tally almost competes with his first team goal tally. It would help everyone, especially him, if he cut it out.

Paul Smith 106Posted
18/03/2017 at
21:20:44

Don I know what pisses fans off mate his gob has nothing to do with people saying hes lazy. And the irony of you slating his mouth when he is talking about things that surely you agree with? I know i want ambitious players.

On your first point of course he wants to improve hes 23. Thats what great players want. I heard Messi say he wants to keep improving when Enrique took over. Our fans would probably find something in Messi's decision making or hate him for saying he would like to play at the highest level.

Paul Mackie 107Posted
18/03/2017 at
21:25:34

Dermot #73 - Care to expand on that? Which bit of my post was 'nonsense' in your opinion?

Paul Williams 108Posted
18/03/2017 at
21:31:05

I've read quite a few comments over the last few seasons from some Lukaku detractors that state that he's a "flat-track bully" or that he only scores goals against "smaller teams", is a streaky player who goes long periods without scoring or contributing to the team. If you look at the stats he actually scores roughly the same amount of goals against the so-called top six teams as the divisions other leading scorers, eg, Kane, Costa, Sanchez, Aguero, Ibra.

Generally in the last three or four seasons they have scored roughly between 4-7 goals in all competitions a season against the Sky 6. In fact in the 2013-14 season alone Lukaku scored six goals against those teams. This season so far I think most of the top scorers have maybe three goals in those games. Aguero usually scores more "important" "big-time" goals than any other striker but this season I don't think he's scored any.

As for him going long spells without scoring, apart from the last 9 starts and 1 sub appearance last season without scoring a goal(in which time the team as a whole was awful) his goal scoring rate has been as consistent as other strikers. They all go three or four games without a goal two or three times a season and usually endure a barren patch of 5-8 games without a goal even Dixie Dean had lean spells. He also contributes a fair amount of assists per season for a striker whose is considered lazy and selfish. Lukaku isn't the perfect striker but he's scored 20+ goals three seasons straight, he'd be hard to replace.

Ian Riley 109Posted
18/03/2017 at
21:42:37

How people can criticize anyone at the club at present is beyond me. Please remember back to last march. If people don't think we have made big strides since then need to have lie down in a dark room.

Koeman has to stay for me. He is honest in his analysis of situations and wants more from the players. Lukaku is the best number nine since I have been supporting the club but his outbursts are unprofessional. Our midfielders provide chance's for him and if he goes we move on. Strikers are only as good by the service they receive. Barkey leaving would disappoint me greatly. Just think he is getting better and better.

Don Alexander 110Posted
18/03/2017 at
21:43:36

Lukaku has the perfect opportunity to embellish his reputation in the next two games.

Brian Hennessy 111Posted
18/03/2017 at
21:51:30

Only six points off second place now... I suppose I'd settle for a runner-up finish to Chelsea at this stage.

Tony Hill 112Posted
18/03/2017 at
22:04:52

Well, let's not get carried away too much. Hull were awful. The last time we played a good side we were stuffed. Our record in matches that are important is generally woeful and has been for a long time. I am delighted that we can put away bad sides emphatically (and Man City in a happy one-off) but we must do it when it really counts.

A besetting sin of Evertonians, and indeed Everton players, is to imagine ourselves on a run of success or to be on the brink of serious achievement, when all we have really done is to win games we always should win. And then  bang  our party balloon gets punctured. It's become a sad ritual.

Get results in the next two games, showing courage and confidence, and we can all start to believe that something is happening, really happening.

Ernie Baywood 113Posted
18/03/2017 at
22:07:02

Well there was a period with Martinez where we consistently didn't seem to get what we deserved... to the point where it became clear to all but one that it wasn't just bad luck.

Right now we seem to be getting more than we deserve. If it keeps on happening then you can't just call it good luck. 3-0 and 4-0 can't be that uninspiring can it? We're doing something right.

I can't wait to see the BBC's top 7 caption... there's no way they'll produce a top 6 with United not in the picture.

We're making a real go of it but these last two results show progress, rather than showing we are ready to take on the top 6.

The pessimist in me says that we'll be let down in the next couple of games, and go back to understanding where we sit (very, very seventh). But just maybe... it's just two games after all. We can take anyone on our day can't we?

Come on Ron. Have a real crack at these games. There's nothing to lose... you won't be criticised for going for the win and losing. If you play damage limitation and lose, you'll deserve criticism.

Ernie Baywood 114Posted
18/03/2017 at
22:25:54

Tony #112... Maybe the City game wasn't a happy one off? After all we win handily at home most weeks.

We've had all the big clubs except Chelsea at Goodison and we've done alright with one exception. Drew with Spurs, United. Beat City, Arsenal. Obviously we all know what happened against that lot.

Maybe our biggest problem isn't that we aren't good enough, but that we don't believe we're good enough. There's evidence to suggest that we're a good team. Certainly Liverpool have believed they were set for greatness with far less talent in their ranks... they don't want for confidence that lot.

I feel like our worst crime would be to go into these games hoping to hang on. Liverpool are nothing special, nor are United. Go through their teams... do they have a player like Lukaku available in their ranks? Are their defences anything special? Who in their midfield can escape Gana, create like Ross?

On current form who scores more than us? Who concedes fewer?

Brian Wilkinson 115Posted
18/03/2017 at
22:30:22

Besic might be back for the Derby, big loss schnids getting injured.

Two big games coming up, I just hope Rom has a go at these and does not set up to pack the midfield and defence, must need wins, may as well go shit or bust and have a go.

Tony Hill 116Posted
18/03/2017 at
22:36:12

Ernie, that's exactly my point. We don't believe in ourselves, we lack hardness of mind and leadership when it truly matters. Our away record against the bigger sides - and, indeed, our record in any matches that have serious significance (the semi-finals last year being examples) - is terrible.

I agree with you entirely. I think Koeman is starting to get things rolling, we have talent and it could become very exciting for us. But, above all, we must develop mental strength and we need a leader on the pitch to stop us panicking and flopping in difficult games (and, in truth, sometimes in games that are not difficult). I have hopes of Schneiderlin in that regard.

If I'm honest, I still think we lack quality and would like to see 4-5 top buys in the summer. However, teamwork, bravery and confidence can work absolute wonders in any event.

John Pierce 117Posted
18/03/2017 at
22:46:49

Koeman has to take the shackles off. He is at heart a pragmatist and that's a worry for the next two games.

Ernie, I will measure him in these next two games. If he sets up and wants to defend then even with better players next year he's like to instinctively want to do the same. Not good in my opinion.

Go for it and you just might cut our trajectory in half and get us there in one season.

If we win one and lose one then I'd be happy. Two draws, meh no thanks!

Given we are likely to play Chelsea post winning the league, that might help, Arsenal on the last day should mean nothing.

The rest of the games are very winnable. It's here if we can finally grasp the nettle.

Mike Green 118Posted
18/03/2017 at
22:49:55

Spot on Ernie - our league home results in 2017 are 3-0, 4-0, 6-3, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0. Played 6, won 6, scored 22, conceded 3 (all in one game).

The only quality outfit in there are City but nonetheless those results aren't coincidental.

Ernie Baywood 119Posted
18/03/2017 at
22:50:02

And honestly, I agree with you... we do lack a few players to compete. Though I might try to get carried away for a week or two; supporting would be pointless if you never had hope. Hopefully the players and manager can buy into it too.

Thoughts have immediately turned to the derby now. And the knots are there in the stomach. Anticipation and dread! Come on you blue boys!

Tony Hill 120Posted
18/03/2017 at
22:53:17

Yes, I already feel sick about it too, Ernie. But you're right - how can we expect the players to have confidence if we don't?

John Pierce 121Posted
18/03/2017 at
23:12:49

Lad's we lacked soooo much quality the season we finished 4th. Let's not let a technicality get in the way of a good roller-coaster ride.

Mike T Jones 122Posted
18/03/2017 at
23:19:59

Lukaku for Liverpool, according to Le Saux on MotD. Of course mufc, AFC and CfC were mentioned too by Alan shearer. Lazy fucking pundits.

Jason Bowen 123Posted
18/03/2017 at
23:34:36

Greame le Saux on Match of the Day then: "Lukaku could even join the RS"

It's bad enough Shearer saying manure and the rentboys will be after him and I know its happened in the past with players moving to the shite but obviously Le Saux knows nothing whatsoever about modern football to even mention those fuckers in regard to an already touchy subject!

It would be world war 3 round these parts if that even had a sniff of a chance!Stick to waxing your cow's lick, Le Saux, you absolute dickhead!

Dermot Byrne 124Posted
18/03/2017 at
23:35:00

"Well, let's not get carried away too much. "

No...Let's.

Otherwise the point?

Patrick Murphy 125Posted
18/03/2017 at
23:36:39

Everton are a very ordinary team â€“ so ordinary they keep swatting teams away, week after week. Unfortunately the teams who deserve to win ie the monied clubs keep winning by more goals and with more swagger â€“ but that isn't true is it?

Fuck the BBC fuck the media Everton have to do no more than win three points from each game and that's enough for me. BTW 21 goals for our goalscrorer and whether he stays or goes nobody can take it away from him or the points we have accumulated. We are on the way with or without Lukaku but, if you prefer to listen to the media, we're doomed.

Mike Hughes 126Posted
18/03/2017 at
23:44:42

I hope Lukaku stays. But if he's off, I hope his parting shot(s) contribute to us totally tearing the rs apart next game. I mean a total demolition job. Long overdue.

So typical of EFC to have a key injury (Scheiderlin).

But bollocks to all that.

Let's humiliate those bastards and take 4th place.

(I think that they were about 13 points ahead of us at one stage of the season).

Get Paul McKenna in for a "Think yourself totally twatting the rs" session.

As for the media / pundits, it's always the same whenever we put a decent run together - they are like vultures.

Screw the lot of them.

'Those that don't understand don't matter.'

Mike Moore 128Posted
19/03/2017 at
00:02:49

Mike (#126)  pissing myself to your "Paul McKenna" line!!

Hugh Jenkins 129Posted
19/03/2017 at
00:15:45

Graham - (123). I too watched MOTD and was amazed at the stupidity of Le Saux's utterance.

He is so out of touch that he has clearly never heard of "Moneyball" and does not realise that the "Moneyball" philosophy would probably find DCL a reasonable target  but certainly not RL at the probable asking price.Le Saux  like so many MOTD pundits, is living in the past and has no idea of the modern game nor modern values.

Why the BBC continue to dredge them up is a mystery?

Mike Green 130Posted
19/03/2017 at
00:23:58

Gary Lineker on MOTD:

'What sort of player scores 20-odd league goals for Everton and then decides to leave at the end of the season?'

Now I know the blokes got a God complex but that is fucking unbelievable.

These people will be the end of me.

Colin Glassar 131Posted
19/03/2017 at
00:41:14

Shocking coverage of our game. I don't know why they even bother to show us play. The dislike and contempt is evident and that little shithouse Le Saux better not show his face in town anytime soon.

John Raftery 132Posted
19/03/2017 at
00:46:46

Kevin (#80) Spot on with your comment about people leaving early. Many departed before 90 minutes yesterday thus missing the final two goals.

In the first half when the game reached 40 minutes hundreds in the Park End headed down to the concourse presumably to feed their faces or drink the cold, fizzy, tasteless lager. Perhaps it is just the way many modern fans behave with their short attention spans or perhaps they just don't get fed at home.

Jack Farrell 133Posted
19/03/2017 at
00:59:31

You know what the sign of a good team is? They win 4:0 and their fans say they did not play too well.

James Flynn 135Posted
18/03/2017 at
01:14:24

Every top scorer has more goals against poorer teams than better ones.

We have one or two haven't figured out why.

Hahaha.

Will Mabon 136Posted
18/03/2017 at
01:18:16

Jason, that le Saux comment was wholly unsurprising. He's not featured so much lately that I've seen (I don't watch television, but see things via other methods) and yet, he's bang on "Message". Isn't that a shock.

Truth is, pundits could just as easily discuss the situation from the angle of what Everton might do to keep him, highlight our club's obvious steps forward and so on. That almost never happens. Notice too the debate has begun to narrow more and more on other Premier League clubs as options, and not the European teams.

Several here have alluded to the suspicious way the status quo is maintained during the Lukaku saga. I agree, and hereby offer myself as captain of that team. I've been watching their tactics for years.

Ross Barkley is being "Coupled" with the Lukaku discussions more and more too. It's no coincidence. We're likely in for a bumpy ride with Barkley I believe. The wording in, I think, The Telegraph about Spurs' interest in Barkley and Zaha was to imply it a formality, written as what Spurs "expect to pay". The words are not random.

As to today, a thoroughly successful performance. The feeling in this thread is rightly much more positive overall. Our fantastic teams in the '80s played many games this way. We were tighter and more consistent, but usually stayed patient and just did what we needed to, when we needed to, particularly away from home. We were often simply efficient.

Chelsea are fantastic this season... and we've matched them in form for months. The difference is they've done it for almost the whole season. That's most of the difference. Maintain our belief, up our game against bigger clubs and improve the consistency, we're in the mix.

In all their successes in the Abramovitch era, Chelsea have won shitty many times. We have no problems worth being overly negative about on the park, injury worries aside. Plunder of our better players is the biggest concern.

Gordon Crawford 137Posted
19/03/2017 at
01:23:22

Match of the Day pundits hate us. It would be nice to have just one pro Everton pundit. But atlas that's never going to happen. Le Saux doesn't know what he is talking about.

Great win today, even though we got fortunate. It was a red all day for me, he went over the bull. Next two are a major test of our ambitions. We haven't won at Norway in years. But I'm hoping for 6 points. :)

Will Mabon 138Posted
19/03/2017 at
01:30:49

The leaving early thing: only once.

After getting myself involved in a bit of trouble while young at Elland Road, my dad insisted I go in the stands with them the next season.

What a place that was back then. It was worse in the stands! Even the middle aged people, the families, the grannies, they were nasty as hell. We left that one about five minutes early.

Tamhas Woods 139Posted
19/03/2017 at
01:52:23

Ian (109) total shout there.

Koeman after winning 4-0 today: "Everton were not so good"Martinez after losing 2-3 at home to West Ham:

"It wath, a phenomen-aaaal performanth"

Enough said.

James Marshall 140Posted
19/03/2017 at
02:08:08

There's plenty of discussion, media skulduggery and speculation surrounding other teams and their players/managers as well  you just don't notice is as much as you're not sensitive to it, and don't seek it out, or pick every minute bone out of every utterance of other clubs.

Evertonians are hyper-sensitive about all things Everton, just as shit-munchers are hyper-sensitive about everything that goes on over at Mordor. It's the same at every club.

Speculation is rife at Arsenal for example when talking about Sanchez, and the little bug-eyed-German who's name escapes me  Ozil  their names are plastered all over the papers just as much as Lukaku & Barkley.

Ernie Baywood 142Posted
19/03/2017 at
03:55:09

Indeed James. How many Evertonians even know what Mark Noble said this week? If an Everton player had said it there would be uproar on here! It's not just us... it's just that we only care about our club.

Freddy Maldonado 143Posted
19/03/2017 at
05:25:31

Lukaku blowing kisses to the crowd after the second goal filled me with Evertonian pride. Every man, woman and child responded back with gratitude. I just saw the second goal again and the crowd just started to glow with happiness. The crowd was behind him and I am behind our striker. He can really push my buttons but I wouldn't trade or sell him. It will be extremely difficult to replace him.

We played well at times. Davies and Gana were terrors in the midfield. Morgan is a huge loss because he is a hammer  I hope he is ready to go sooner than later. We have a good chemistry in the midfield with Barks leading the charge. It just isn't the same with Barry or Macca. I think we're still one or two midfielders away. Perhaps a Gylfi or a Lamela (yes, he is currently injured but could fit our system), could spark some more forward progression.

Valencia is starting to perhaps be the option off the bench we have been looking for but he will probably return to West Ham after his loan. They will want him back now. Calvert-Lewin is not ready for a full-time striker role and won't be for another couple of seasons. He could be our next option off the bench to give Lukaku a break. I would like to see a Cavani or a Lacazette bought in the summer. That would surely keep Lukaku happy. It would spell the end of Mirallas and Lennon but that is a sacrifice that must be made.

I think great times are ahead. It's very exciting. But, we have to keep hold of Barkley, Lukaku and Koeman. If not, Everton must open up the hidden wallet. Nobody will want to come to a place that trades their solid foundation for cement.

Gary Russell 144Posted
19/03/2017 at
06:40:55

Just wondering, Freddy, after only two starts, the first lasting ten or so minutes and his second, a large slice of it, in which he scored after nine minutes, how do you come to this conclusion about Calvert-Lewin?

'DCL is not ready for a full-time striker role and won't be for another couple of seasons.'

Ajay Gopal 145Posted
19/03/2017 at
07:07:12

Freddy (143), good post, except for the comment about DC-L as pointed out by Gary. We don't know for sure if he will be a starter for us over he next 2 years. Too little data at this point, to say one way or another. But the fact that Koeman seems to prefer him over both Lookman and Valencia (who have both done quite well recently) seems to indicate that Koeman has seen enough of the lad to think he is ready for the big time.

Assuming Scheirderlin and McCarthy are both unavailable for the derby, I would like Koeman to go bold and field a mid-field of Gueye, Davies and Barkley with Lukaku and Mirallas up top.

Gary, his movement off the ball is not there yet for me-saw some of his stuff while on the reserves as well(not live mind you). He also needs to develop the defensive side of his game. I know he is a striker but in Koeman's system, he will want whoever runs behind Lukaku to go get the ball back.

That second half and parts of the first showed how raw he is. He's a clever one I think, loved it when he tried to pull a Davies as he attempted to split two defenders, and it will happen for him but not yet. I would have loved to see him more involved today.

I like the lad and was really pleased with his goal because he was where he should have been. With that said, if Lukaku couldn't play for a match, I would go with Valencia. Enner hits his runs better, which is because of experience over time. Experience is what DCL has to gain. When that happens, he will be a fine striker-at least that is my hope.

By the way, not being critical of the kid. I really do want him to succeed. I just think we need to develop him at a good pace because he looks very promising to me. Another season working with Lukaku should do wonders for him.

Nigel Munford 147Posted
19/03/2017 at
07:52:50

Does anyone know how many goals Rom has scored out of his 21 this season in added on time compared with normal time?

It shows the improvement from the manager and his team. The performances are sometimes not what we would like to be watching agreed. In saying that, the performances will come. It's Koemans first season an he is settling into the job well. Having the benefits of a full season under his belt, and with the players he will bring in next season watch us go.

One thing that is mentioned on a regular basis is how Koeman is perceived to play too defensively at home. The fact that in the last 8 home matches we have scored 24 goals and won 7 games dispels that myth.

Tim Kells 150Posted
19/03/2017 at
08:30:49

Really pleasing for me is how we have dispatched Sunderland, West Brom and Hull so convincingly. Not long ago we would have struggled to have broken them down due to a lack of creativity.

As for the media, they all want to maintain the status quo and is self-perpetuating. Let's hope like Leicester we burst their bubble.

Darren Hind 151Posted
19/03/2017 at
08:45:54

Terry @95

Being the only Darren who regularly criticises Koeman on here I assume you were talking to me. I'll answer as honestly as I can

Koeman has improved.

He knew we had history when he came, but I don't think he realised the size of the task, the size of the club, the size of the fan base and I'm absolutely certain he wasn't prepared for the passion or the knowledge of your average Evertonian.

Slowly (very slowly) he has realised we are a million miles away from being a Southampton. He will by now, be in no doubt that he is in charge of one of the oldest and finest footballing institutions in the world.

Honestly Terry

I can sit and pick holes in Koemans management all day long. The speed at which he does things drives me nuts. I hate this "tells it like it is" bollocks. He talks as much shite as any other manager, more than most. I despair when people glibly claim "seeeee, he's better than the last manager"... Better than Martinez??? Surely we need to be setting the bar higher than that?

Our football has been disjointed and sloppy this season, but we are now scoring lots of goals. It could be worse, we could be firing blanks, or playing stylish football AND firing blanks.

Having said all of that, there is a growing belief that he is taking us north. There can be no doubt that the extra effort he has demanded from the players is beginning to bear fruit and they look far more confident as a result. It would be wrong to even try to deny him credit for that.

Our away record is still some way short of where it needs to be, but he has a golden opportunity to put that right. Two points or better from OT and Mordor would be lovely, Two really big performances would do me though.

I'm an Evertonian, I support the club, not a manager who is only here because we are paying him a kings ransom. If he justifies his wages and brings us CHampions League football or a trophy I will be right at the front when the credit is handed out.

Will Mabon 152Posted
19/03/2017 at
08:49:05

James (#140):

the fact there's media skulduggery surrounding other clubs doesn't detract from the point, it reinforces it. Doesn't excuse it either.

Terry Farrell 153Posted
19/03/2017 at
09:25:56

Darren, I accept most of what you say but I think we differ in our appreciation of who Koeman is. He is a heavyweight manager and legend ex-player who is a winner. We haven't won anything since we were led by other winners, Big Joe and Howard, and they knew how to win.

Imagine being in that dressing room with Koeman laying the law down versus Martinez... No comparison! I am chuffed he is at our club. I agree that his next target is to improve results away from home but he will find a way.

Grant Rorrison 154Posted
19/03/2017 at
09:43:02

Koeman better not be pragmatic about the next two games. 7th and Europa League football all but assured. I doubt whether we grind out a point or two at Anfield and Old Trafford is going to be the deciding factor there.

We've got a great opportunity to go to those two grounds and get the wins that could help us force our way into the top four. Why would anyone want to be pragmatic about it?

CiarÃ¡n McGlone 155Posted
19/03/2017 at
09:52:05

Why do people actually bother watching MotD if it makes them so upset?

Derek Thomas 156Posted
19/03/2017 at
10:01:49

Ajay @145; I could go with that 1st 11, but given the lack of depth/cover in Defence and Mid Field due to injuries and too few numbers, The Bench is unbalanced.

Of the likely candidates, Besic hasn't kicked a ball yet, if he started tomorrow I doubt he would be ready for 5 or 6 weeks. McCarthy who knows, especially if he goes to the Irish squad and actually plays...they have form for ruining our players.

I just hope they don't rush Scheinderlin back to soon.

Graham Mockford 157Posted
19/03/2017 at
10:08:09

Nigel (#147),

Off the top of my head 3 including yesterday's 2. ( the other was at Leicester).

However, he has definitely scored a lot more goals in the second half than the first and a significant number in the last ten minutes.

Maybe because he is lazy he conserves more energy to use in the last ten!

Nigel Munford 158Posted
19/03/2017 at
10:16:28

Graham, or maybe waits until the opposition are tired and it's easier.

Stan Schofield 159Posted
19/03/2017 at
11:15:02

On the subject of media bias, some of my old mates are Reds, proper ones, not just 'customers' or tourists. They all, to a man, think the media is full of shite, including some of the former Liverpool players.

Also, a couple of them get irritated with Klopp's antics and showmanship. Like us, they're interested in what their team does on the pitch, not the peripheral media shite. Of course, it's even more irritating for us, because of the bias, so the best thing to do is ignore it. I watch MotD with the sound off, so I don't have to listen to the drivel.

James Marshall 160Posted
19/03/2017 at
11:22:16

This whole thing about MOTD - I just watch it after it starts real-time so that I can whizz through all the shite, watch our game, have a listen to what they say about us and ignore the rest.

MOTD doesn't upset me at all as a result. If the way it's produced upsets you, just watch it at a time when you can forward through all the waffle from Graeme The Sox, and Alan Shearer  I have zero interest in what they have to say about Stoke or West Ham, or the shit munchers so why bother to let something upset you?

I don't own a TV for the same reasons, because advertising is (as Bill Hicks said) the devils work, and I refuse to have it in my home. Same goes for the MOTD nonsense.

Mark Morrissey 161Posted
19/03/2017 at
11:36:29

It's written in the stars. Davies, Barkley and Dominic CL to take the 3 points for Everton against the RS. This is happening...

Brent Stephens 162Posted
19/03/2017 at
11:50:20

Stan (#159),

"I watch MOTD with the sound off, so I don't have to listen to the drivel".

That works for me as well  with my wife.

Michael Upton 163Posted
19/03/2017 at
11:59:20

To Paul Burns and others (35 and onwards), surely the point with Lukaku is he brings more than goals.

His link-up play is massively improved and he's taken us to the point where not only is a half-decent ball to him out of defence a chance to relieve any pressure but also a huge threat on the break.

You only need to look at his contribution to the first two goals against W Brom to see this.

May no mistake, losing Rom would mean losing a lot more than his goals.

One final point about his late goals  how great it is that he still has juice in the tank to finish sides off at the end when other strikers might have been subbed earlier?

Stan Schofield 164Posted
19/03/2017 at
12:06:03

Brent, even being nagged is better than listening to the pundits!

Brent Stephens 165Posted
19/03/2017 at
12:12:52

I hear what you say, Stan!

Gary Russell 166Posted
19/03/2017 at
12:19:52

Just remembered. George McKane won again with his 4-0 bet. Excellent!

Peter Mills 167Posted
19/03/2017 at
12:24:38

Gary (#166)  I was just about to mention that! As soon as I saw that pass-back going to Lukaku's feet, I thought of George and his positive cosmic grooves. Really pleased for him.

George McKane 168Posted
19/03/2017 at
12:41:46

Thank you Gary and Peter ( buy you both a pint when you can come to The Dark House) - - everyone around me knows I do 4-0 so at 90 minutes yesterday people were saying "hard lines' and then 90+1 it was "nearly" and then 90+4 4-0 "again" - - got 20/1 with £1 bet - - great fun - - loved Saturday 3.00pm KO's.

Ernie Baywood 169Posted
19/03/2017 at
12:49:09

Don't believe in media bias? The Premier League just posted a head to head table for the Top 6 on Facebook.

Where do you think we stood in that table?

Gary Russell 170Posted
19/03/2017 at
12:55:28

They have to cut it at some point, Ernie. We need to win the next couple of games to shake it up. To be fair, we have only just arrived at the party. Let's hope we have a litre of tequila in hand to distort their view!

James Marshall 171Posted
19/03/2017 at
13:56:41

Ernie ,we're not in the top 6, we're 7th.

Gary Russell 172Posted
19/03/2017 at
14:01:18

Man Utd didn't look impressive. It was game on until the last few minutes until Valdes painful slip gave Man Utd their third.

Tony Hill 173Posted
19/03/2017 at
14:01:42

Man Utd's two other games in hand are against Man City and Southampton (away). If we can beat them at OT then all remains possible. They still look stodgy to me under Mourinho.

Brent Stephens 174Posted
19/03/2017 at
14:21:48

James (#171)  we are 7th??

Daniel Lim 175Posted
19/03/2017 at
14:30:21

Actually is 7th really already in the pocket? Don't think so, WBA just beat Arsenal with better score than we did. And they are only 7 points behind.

Some saying that we are only 8 points behind xxx team with 9 games to play. It's the same to WBA, we only 7 points more with 9 games to go.

James Marshall 176Posted
19/03/2017 at
14:44:46

Yes, we're 7th. Man Utd beat Boro

Paul Conway 177Posted
19/03/2017 at
15:34:20

Just saw the most nauseating sight on the BBC sports page of Mourhino smirking. Depressing.

Andy Meighan 178Posted
19/03/2017 at
15:36:24

Only read a few posts but here's my take â€• and this is by no way a criticism. It's great blowing the likes of Hull, Bournemouth, Southampton to bits; what fan doesn't go the game wanting to see goals? I just hope he doesn't piss himself at the other place, à la Spurs, because them 6 home wins will mean absolutely zilch.

Old Trafford I'm not too bothered about because they're nothing special and can be got at, as can the other crowd... but we freeze every time we go there. I just hope Koeman shows them zero respect and goes for it, because I'll fucking lose it completely if it's another shithouse performance.

Damian Wilde 179Posted
19/03/2017 at
15:53:32

This a MK piece? 'Eventually' ??? Maybe if we win 7-9, we'll get a positive headline.

Enjoyed the game. Thought we were always in control and an easy win. Thought Davies played very well and credit to Valencia when he came on. It's refreshing to see is score so many every home game, famtastic to see!

Still not totally convinced Barkley is the creative midfield player that will get us into the top four and help to win us a trophy. If Koeman buys a top creative midfield player, would that mean Barkley is benched?

Shame Schneiderlin is out, but he should be okay. Virtually guaranteed Europe, let's have some fun trying to overtake the RS and Arsenal. ðŸ˜ƒ

Tony Hill 180Posted
19/03/2017 at
16:05:15

Looking at defensive options next year, I see Cook at Bournemouth is leading both the clearances and headed clearances stats. No doubt that has a lot to do with playing for a porous team but he must be doing something right and he's only 25.

Mike Gaynes has mentioned him as an option on here before. May be worth a thought as well as Keane. Interestingly, Williams is 4th in the clearances list, I see. Gueye is 5 tackles ahead of Kante, by the way.

Stephen Brown 181Posted
19/03/2017 at
16:17:56

I know there's been a mixed reaction to Ashley Williams but I think he's done a good job.

I certainly feel more confident with him at the back than Stones! Sure his distribution can be poor but he does what most were calling for last year  defends!

The number of clean sheets over last couple of months surely means that something is going right!

Brent Stephens 182Posted
19/03/2017 at
16:22:18

Cheers, James. Still catching up! Ah well.

Raymond Fox 183Posted
19/03/2017 at
16:22:34

My god I'm in shock!

I just watched MotD2 Extra, and they actually gave us some air time for a change. They started off about Lukaku making it public that he was not signing an extended contract, and that it was not a smart way to go about it. After that it was all praise for every aspect of the club from Lukaku, Koeman, fans, young players, home form, new ownership, possible new ground etc etc.

The consensus being that it is the wrong time for Rom and Barkley to leave Everton because the club is on the rise.

Tony Hill 184Posted
19/03/2017 at
16:22:44

Yes, it's interesting that, Stephen. I've just suggested on another thread that Williams is past his physical best but we have one of the best defences in the league and after the number of games played that cannot be a fluke.

The main difference between this season and last is the acquisition of Williams. Perhaps we're (I'm) missing something.

Mike Green 185Posted
19/03/2017 at
16:28:39

Tony  the main difference between this season and last season is Koeman. :)

Don Alexander 186Posted
19/03/2017 at
16:48:19

Raymond, maybe the Beeb are taking after Big Ron by today paying attention to TW!!!

Sam Barrett 187Posted
19/03/2017 at
16:56:13

Raymond, I'm in shock too, Sky have just shown the League standings and actually showed the top 7 including Everton instead of top 6 as they've been doing all season.

Stephen Brown 188Posted
19/03/2017 at
16:57:47

I agree Tony!

Although he's not particularly outstanding in any of the games he's often clearing things, blocking things and organising others. Clearly not the answer long term but just what we needed after the diabolical defending of the previous two years!

Tony Abrahams 189Posted
19/03/2017 at
17:54:06

Is right George! I knew you was gonna have a bit of luck, when I read your excellent post before the game yesterday, but I was way too hung over to tell yer mate!

Fella by me left at 1-0, but I think it was because his young kid was playing up, but he also had Calvert Lewin to score 1st and 4-0. Like yourself George, he came across as a bit of a character so I was made up for him anyway. I just hope his kid enjoyed the pub more than the match, because that's where he said they was going!

Also think Lukaku, will sign a new contract, but only if Everton, lower the selling price that is being reported?

Eugene McLoughlin 190Posted
19/03/2017 at
18:01:25

If City can beat the RedShite, we will be 6 pts behind, same games plated!! We win the derby, 3 pts in it!!!! Please Come On You Blues!!!!

Eugene McLoughlin 191Posted
19/03/2017 at
18:08:57

What a miss by that twat Lallanna!!!

Raymond Fox 192Posted
19/03/2017 at
18:09:14

Don in all seriousness, this site is the best barometer for anyone after information on what Everton fans are thinking and saying.

Without a doubt the media, managers, players and other supporters have a sly look at what is being said on here, they wouldn't be human if they didn't.

Nicholas Ryan 193Posted
19/03/2017 at
20:02:31

Kevin Jones (#80). you're right. Why do people leave before the end? In 40 years of attending football matches, it's something I've never understood.

Brian Williams 194Posted
19/03/2017 at
20:22:49

Nicholas. I can answer that question for you, well in my particular case anyway but probably in the case of the majority of those that do it.

I hail from the Wirral and travel by car with two others. We take turns in driving. I HATE the fact we leave early and swore after missing two goals on Saturday that I'll never do it again. I've never done it before travelling with those I travel with now.

My fellow "travellers" like to "miss the rush" and get back to the Wirral/home/ the pub 15 minutes earlier than they would if they waited until the final whistle.

Makes no sense whatsoever to me as I like to clap the last player off the pitch and see their reactions at the end of a good win etc.

So, in short, a lot leave early for convenience,,,,go figure, I can't!

Andy Crooks 195Posted
19/03/2017 at
20:32:40

Interesting comment, Raymond. If I played I would read fan sites. Whether players read this site is worth another thread. I think it is worth an article, if someone has a bit of time to spare.

Dave Williams 196Posted
19/03/2017 at
21:07:13

Just looking at the table- if we had beaten RedShite at home by the same score as they beat us we would be level with them on points and goal difference going into the Anfield derby.

It's pretty close!!

Tom Bowers 197Posted
19/03/2017 at
21:48:30

I believe that beating RS in the next game would boost Everton's chances of a higher position and may even result in RS not making the Champions League.

This would be a huge slap in the face for the investors as it has cost them a fortune to get this Klopp guy and the squad he has.

Pity we still have to play Man Utd.

Fintan Spode 198Posted
19/03/2017 at
22:07:45

Why on earth did fans cheer the treacherous Lukaku? Are these the same fans who cheered the treacherous Moyes? Lukaku is to football what Moyes is to management, so get off your knees and recognise the club is much bigger than these inflated egos.

Brian Williams 199Posted
19/03/2017 at
22:21:08

#198.Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn!!!!

Chris Gould 200Posted
19/03/2017 at
22:43:06

Andy (#195), I would think it's highly likely that boyhood fans such as Barkley and Davies read this site. It's one of the reasons I cringe at some of the criticism that Ross has received on here.

The sort of stuff that must have given him nightmares. I would imagine they are told to stay away from such sites, but expect they can't resist.

Tony Draper 201Posted
19/03/2017 at
23:47:26

Fintan @198. No, utterly not. I did NOT cheer "the ginger whinger".

One is obsessed with silver in the form of medals, trophies and success.

The other swerves them. Swerves silver like a vampire. Swerves trophies like Newcastle.

I know who I want.

Stan Schofield 202Posted
19/03/2017 at
23:48:46

Fintan@198: Because they don't believe he's treacherous, and neither do I.

Lukaku has never said he wants to leave Everton. However, Koeman has said that Lukaku will need to leave Everton. You and others have a vivid imagination, perhaps aided and abetted by the media.

Eugene Ruane 203Posted
19/03/2017 at
00:27:38

Fintan (?) # 198 - 'Lukaku is to football what Moyes is to management'

Hmmm...let's see, 23 year-old striker, bangs goals in for fun and is desired by top teams. 53 year-old manager, scowls for fun, desired by nobody.

As Shylock Holmes said to Juliet in the Merchant of Vienna (part 1) 'Tis a comparison that is a load of fucking shite.'

By the way, I cheered loudly for Lukaku, simply to further enrage the unhinged 'drop the twat!' barm-pots on TW.

I'm serious - when he got a cheer, I smiled thinking about some of the posts I'd read on here last week.

All I could think of was a cheer coming through a radio in a secure unit and Jon Cox having to be liquid coshed (with a smirking Nurse Ratched looking on).

Martyn Thickitt 204Posted
20/03/2017 at
03:07:22

To all you people who believe Lukaku wants to leave, Lukaku hasn't said he wants to leave Everton, he said that the club isn't matching his ambitions based on the signings done so far.

I believe that when we start signing more decent players in the summer he will change his mind and sign the new contract, after all at Everton the team is being built to supply him, no other team will change to accommodate one player.

Mike Green 205Posted
20/03/2017 at
07:16:38

Don't know if it's been said already but reading the transcript through the player he's saying we could've got and didn't sounds like Gabbiadini.

Thomas Surgenor 206Posted
20/03/2017 at
07:39:06

If Gabbiadini (a Napoli reserve) was the height of Lukaku's ambition then I do worry.

I'll accept he has had a good start for the saints but he will soon be found out ala Jelavic for us.

I believe the Belgians tend to stick together and that the player he was on about was Witsel.

Mike Green 207Posted
20/03/2017 at
07:55:04

Thomas  I agree that it's too soon to be saying anything about Gabbiadini but it's someone playing in the Premier League:

'Obviously stuff is changing and stuff is happening, but like I said there were some players that we could have got. That I knew the club could have got and they didn't get. And they are playing in this league. I am not saying names, but they are doing well.'

Who knows, that fits though. But then it may have been someone like Mata who Rom might have been looking at as a potential supplier.

Andrew Clare 208Posted
20/03/2017 at
07:55:46

Spot on Thomas. Gabbiadini is no great shakes as we will eventually find out. I think Lukaku was just generalising. He probably wanted three big signings in one window. Williams is not the calibre of player he was expecting.

I must admit when he was signed I had the same feeling of underwhelment as when Walter Smith was appointed manager. All of the signings apart from Gana and Schneiderlin(excuse the spelling) have been disappointing.

Fintan, I think you're a plant. I don't mean a herbaceous perennial sort of plant, although your footballing nous is somewhat less than the average Begonia, but a plant surreptitiously slipped onto ToffeeWeb by our lovable neighbours to cause alarm and distress to the regular posters with your silly comments about Lukaku etc.. However, the regular posters have spotted you for what you are. Richard Ã la tÃªte. Or Dick, to your mates..

Paul Smith 211Posted
20/03/2017 at
15:15:59

Darren Hind (#151), I think your take on Koeman is brilliant and comes across really genuine. I don't like the man who has come for 3 years to be worshipped before he has success and treated like the voice of realness.

I understand us looking up to him as the figure who guides us but I totally get your point too. He did need to raise his game as manager and credit to him for seemingly doing that. We are far more hopeful at this point than the last 2 years and hes changing the mentality.

At least since Christmas anyway. That didn't stop him making mistakes at Spurs so hes not immune to errors just like any manager. I just want him to continue as a whole like we have since Christmas and I will support his judgement until its worth poking at. Good post though mate.

Fintan Spode 212Posted
20/03/2017 at
17:04:31

So Lukaku hasn't said he wants to leave...really?... do you actually believe that? Only media hype? Is this some kind of wishful thinking, twilight world? He could perhaps deny the speculation... if it wasn't true of course.

As for scoring goals for fun... so did Willie Pettigrew... he now sells newspapers in Bellshill.

Eugene as Prince Lev says to Derek Dougan in Dostoyevsky's The Idiot'Ya made a right tit aff yer self big lad...'

Ray (#210), you are a daft old stick!

Ray Roche 213Posted
20/03/2017 at
17:08:31

Fintan, correct!

Darren Hind 214Posted
20/03/2017 at
20:06:35

Ha Ha Paul @211

Great to know not everyone thinks I'm a complete crackpot.

Ray

Fintan a plant? Where've you been, fella? He too is a regular poster. He is more likely to be seen chatting with the intellectuals over on the OF.

Question his opinion, mate, but don't doubt his credentials.

Tony Abrahams 215Posted
20/03/2017 at
20:33:50

So Everton are growing on Koeman, and Koeman is growing on Darren? I look forward to seeing if things can blossom over the next few weeks!

Stan Schofield 216Posted
20/03/2017 at
21:14:10

Fintan @212: Seriously? It's not a question of what you or I or anybody else believes, but of the facts. The fact is, he hasn't said that.

Now, when you have facts, folks can interpret them, and those interpretations are subjective beliefs. Some on TW have interpreted them to mean that Lukaku wants to leave Everton. But there can be, and are, other interpretations. One, which is mine, is that Lukaku does not want to leave Everton, that he wants to stay here and achieve success, including the Champions League. I think that because, if he wanted to leave, all he need do is continue to score lots of goals and then other clubs would come running. The last thing he would do is make a fuss about the management of Everton. If he wanted to leave, he wouldn't care enough about Everton to make a fuss.

Now, I could be wrong in my interpretation of the facts, precisely because it's a subjective judgement. Equally, other interpretations could be wrong. With my interpretation, I would be tempted to say that Everton is having the same effect on Lukaku that it did on Alan Ball and Alex Young, that Lukaku has become an Evertonian. This is the polar opposite to you saying Lukaku is a traitor.

At the end of the day, rather than jumping to interpretations of the facts, it's probably a good idea to just stick with the facts. Otherwise, you're entering the territory of the media, the territory of gossip, soap opera, bias and propaganda.

Ray Roche 217Posted
20/03/2017 at
22:40:35

Darren Hind (#214),

My comments were purely for fun and I'm sure Fintan has a sufficiently good sense of humour to realise that.

Darren Hind 218Posted
21/03/2017 at
06:18:35

Ray Roache,

Fair enough. It was probably your repeated use of the term "regular posters" which threw me.

Fintan Spode 220Posted
21/03/2017 at
17:21:58

Stan (#216), I do see what you are getting at but it really is not accurate to say Lukaku hasn't said he wants to leave. What is true is that he hasn't said it publicly. What is also true is that he he has not denied the speculation... which would have put an end to it.

My original point was that it was crass to cheer him on Saturday. Think of it this way... if on Friday night you heard your missus was shagging around and when you asked her she neither confirmed or denied it. Would you still give her a bunch of flowers Saturday morning, (or whatever else you favour giving her on Saturday)?

Eugene Ruane 221Posted
21/03/2017 at
19:55:34

Fintan # 220 - 'If on Friday night you heard your missus was shagging around and when you asked her she neither confirmed or denied it...'

You heard

I'll stop you there, because you don't say WHO Stan is supposed to have heard this from and that is (surely) key.

If for instance he heard it from some local, mad, nasty-minded, swivel-eyed 'oul gossip, I would hope he would dismiss it and trust his good lady (or to put it another way, don't believe the shite you read in the desperate-to-fill-space papers).

You say - 'it really is not accurate to say Lukaku hasn't said he wants to leave. What is true is that he hasn't said it publicly.'

Sorry, is Lukaku being..bugged?

I'll tell you what he definitely said, the stuff that's in quotes - anything else is pure guesswork (which maybe right or maybe complete bollocks).

You add - 'What is also true is that he he has not denied the speculation...which would have put an end to it.'

This is absolutely true, you're right...but maybe he sees things the way I do.

And in his position, I wouldn't be denying anything either, I'd be thinking 'I'm not denying every two-bob fucking rumour posted online or in the shitty British press, fuck 'em!'

I'd also think 'and I'm not responding just to satisfy every unhinged online pot-herb who knows what's 'best' for me.'

He seems (to me) smart enough to know that once he starts answering questions, he won't get "Oh ok, cheers", he'll get "Why?" and end up here Link

Fintan Spode 222Posted
21/03/2017 at
20:36:48

Nice link, Eugene... Okay, perhaps I am just more cynical or maybe I have some trust issues to work out with Lukaku... and the wife. Hehehe...

Stan Schofield 223Posted
22/03/2017 at
10:49:24

Fintan, I'm not sure what I'd do in the 'shagging' situation. I suppose I'd have to use my best judgement, taking all available evidence into account including knowledge of the known personal proclivities of my spouse. I suppose I could just nick some flowers from the local cemetery, thereby hedging my bets by avoiding expense if the rumours were true.

In the 'Lukaku' situation I'd use a similar process of course, but of course the situation is different and there are different types of evidence to consider. And I don't know Lukaku personally. I wouldn't call him a traitor, but equally I wouldn't get any flowers for him, even from the cemetery.

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